Librarians Open New Worlds One Book at a Time
This post may contain affiliate links.
The Glen Rock Library was a place of pure magic. I’m betting it still is! When I was younger, they offered a reading challenge, as so many libraries do. If you read a certain number of books, you had the chance to spend time in a façade they’d built.
You could enter the world of Alice In Wonderland, for example, and spend hours basking in your imagination.
My memory is that of a magical world that took over the entire library, built just for me. (While this may not be 100% accurate, I’m holding onto it!) That library— those librarians were a lifeline for me. They connected me to stories, intriguing worlds, and helped me find myself.
Librarians are:
Heroes.
Champions of stories.
Brave, fearless, and tenacious.
Librarians work magic behind the scenes.
I am grateful for books that honor all those who provide a safe space while helping children and adults feel seen, and wanted to highlight a few.
Librarians Open New Worlds One Book at a Time
THE BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY LIBRARIANS; written by Carla Morris; Illustrated by Brad Sneed; Peachtree; 2007.
Although this book is older, it is a wonderful story that deserves mention. The relationship between Melvin and the librarians is heartwarming and beautiful!
They couldn’t help it. That’s how librarians are.
DREAMERS; written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales; Neal Porter Books; 2018.
While this book is also a bit on the older side, in publishing standards, it is both timeless and stunning. The main character’s life-changing experience within the welcoming library walls is life-changing for the reader as well.
Where we didn’t need to speak, we only needed to trust.
DEAR LIBRARIAN; written by Lydia M. Sigwarth; Illustrated by Romina Galotta; Farrar Straus Giroux; 2021.
DEAR LIBRARIAN is another book that illustrates the enduring impact librarians have on their patrons. Based on a true story, this story will fill your heart with love, joy, and hope.
Behind that desk was my new friend.
ORSON AND THE LOUDEST LIBRARY; written by Laura Gehl; illustrated by Stephanie Roth Sisson; Astra Young Readers; 2025.
This lovely book explores both the comfort of the library as well as social-emotional challenges that sometimes arise when things don’t go as expected.
All of Orson’s favorite places have books.
PLANTING STORIES: THE LIFE OF LIBRARIAN AND STORYTELLER BURA BELPRÉ; written by Anika Aldamuy Denise; illustrations by Paola Escobar; Harper; 2019.
This is the remarkable true tale of an extraordinary woman who changed the world one story seed at a time.
Pura’s words paint a picture…
HOPE RODE: THE PROMISE OF THE PACKHORSE LIBRARIANS; written by Lauren H. Kerstein; illustrated by Becca Stadtlander; Union Square Kids; 2025.
I wrote HOPE RODE, not only to shed light on a remarkable historical moment, but also to pay homage to all librarians. This is my love letter to librarians and libraries everywhere.
Where Packhorse librarians passed written words and recorded stories from person to person…to remember forever.
I am not the first to share the incredible story of the packhorse librarians. Thank you, Kim Michele Richardson, for paving the way. Here are a few other stories about this inspiring program:
JUNIA: THE BOOK MULE OF TROUBLESOME CREEK; written by Kim Michele Richardson; illustrated by David C. Gardner; Sleeping Bear Press; 2024.
BOOKS BY HORSEBACK: A LIBRARIAN’S BRAVE JOURNEY TO DELIVER BOOKS TO CHILDREN; written by Emma Carlson Berne; illustrated by Ilaria Urbinati; Little Bee Books; 2021.
THAT BOOK WOMAN; written by Heather Henson; illustrated by David Small; Atheneum Books for Young Readers; 2008.
I hope you’ll visit your library to check out a few of these books. And if you want to lift up librarians even more, please take a moment to participate in one of these exciting opportunities! Let’s spread some library love together!
About Lauren Kerstein
Lauren is an author, psychotherapist, creative coach, and NYT bestselling ghostwriter. She is the author of the Rosie the Dragon and Charlie picture book series, Home for A While, and Remembering Sundays with Grandpa. HOPE RODE, a book about the courageous packhorse librarians is galloping to bookshelves in August. Lauren is also releasing four board books this fall. Additionally, Lauren writes books in her field and is releasing a book about emotion regulation in August as well. Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, runs a critique and coaching business, and is a long-time member of 12×12 and SCBWI. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts.
KEEP READING
